What happened to Suzanne Somers? Actress, 76, opens up about how she has been 'living with cancer' since her 20s
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Iconic star Suzanne Somers, known for her successful acting career and past battles with cancer, has recently revealed that her breast cancer has returned. In a statement on Monday, July 31, she shared the news and expressed her determination to fight and win against the disease.
Due to her diagnsosis, Somers, 76, is taking a break from work, leaving fans concerned about her well-being. Her absence from her popular Facebook Live show, where she collaborates with her producer husband, Alan Hamel, has prompted many to send their support and well wishes too.
What happened to Suzanne Somers?
"I have been living with cancer since my 20s. And every time (it) pops up, I continue to bat it back," Somers told ET, adding, "I do my best not to let this insidious disease control me."
"Like any cancer patient, when you get that dreaded, 'It’s back,' you get a pit in your stomach. Then I put on my battle gear and go to war," she continued, adding, "This is familiar battleground for me, and I’m very tough."
Amid her cancer ordeal, the 'Three's Company' star has found a silver lining as it strengthened her bond with husband. The actress expressed that there has been a "big upside" to their relationship over the years due to the challenges they have faced together during her battle with cancer. "We have not spent even one day apart in over 42 years," she said. "My cancer is a disease that affected my whole family, and once it hit me in my 20s, Alan and I got even closer and every moment of every day was precious," Somers said. "My son refers to our relationship as functionally co-dependent. And my incredible family has been unbelievably supportive every step of the way."
'I have been taking time off from work'
Somers also took to Instagram to share some updates on her health. "Since I have been taking time off from work, many of you have asked for more details about my health," the actress started. "As you know, I had breast cancer two decades ago, and every now and then it pops up again, and I continue to bat it down. I have used the best alternative and conventional treatments to combat it. This is not new territory for me. I know how to put on my battle gear and I’m a fighter. Alan has been by my side every step of the way. I can’t even explain how much he has done for me. If it’s even possible, we are even closer than ever. My incredible family has been so supportive, and have helped so much by keeping the business running so you can still have access to all the wonderful products. Thank you for the continued love and support. It’s only about who you love and who loves you - and I love you!" she added.
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'Suzanne has lived with cancer all her life'
In an exclusive statement to Page Six, Hamel shared that Somers had been facing various health challenges. He commended his wife's courage and resilience as she has battled breast cancer on multiple occasions in her life, including in her 30s and 50s, and also underwent a hysterectomy years ago. Following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2000, Somers adopted a health-conscious lifestyle, prioritizing sufficient rest, adhering to an all-organic diet and avoiding chemicals in food and beauty products. "Suzanne has lived with cancer all her life," Hamel, 87, said, adding, "She has now dealt with her cancer once again. All her doctors said if she didn’t lead a chemical-free, organic life supported by bioidentical hormones, she wouldn’t be with us."
In addition to her cancer battle, Somers is also in the process of recovering from a neck injury she sustained in 2020. The injury occurred after she fell down the stairs in her home, and at the time, she was already recuperating from a fractured hip. Although Somers underwent neck surgery, her husband revealed that she was still dealing with some lingering effects and unresolved issues resulting from the fall. "The concussion created a bad case of hydrocephalus, which impacted her balance and walking," he explained.